SHILLONG, FEB 19: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Monday informed Rs 344 crore has been sanctioned for protecting the catchments of areas of two important rivers – Umiew in East Khasi Hills District and Ganol in Garo Hills region.
Replying in the Assembly, Sangma said the externally aided project was launched just last week.
“This will be a big step towards protecting Umiew and Ganol catchment areas,” he sad.
The chief minister further said that the government of Meghalaya is one of the first governments to come up with a state water policy and there are multiple projects to conserve the water sources in the state.
“We are also one of the few states to work closely with the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) and we have mapped 50,000 springs,” he said.
He also informed that the government is also working towards coming up with over 400-500 reservoir to store water.
The CM said that the water issue is being addressed but it is not easy in view of the problem related to the climate change.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition Ronnie V Lyngdoh has urged the government to protect the catchment area of Umiew river.
He said that the Umiew river is drying up since very little is being done to protect the catchment area in view of deforestation going on in large scale.
Sharing similar concerns, UDP legislator from Mawsynram Olan Sing Suin suggested the need for the government to conserve each and every water source at the village lever.
Earlier, Minister in-charge Public Health Engineering (PHE) Marcuise N Marak said that the various sources fo water which are supplied to the households under Jal Jeevan Mission are surface sources and ground water.
“With a view to lessen the dependency of water supply only from river Umiew at Mawphlang which is the source of Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme, the proposed source of water to cater to New Shillong Township is river Umkhen,” he said.
Further, the minister informed that the government is also taking several steps to rejuvenate the water sources. “In regards to JJM, we are also geo-tagging (all water sources) so that necessary steps can be taken,” he added.
He also informed that there is no deadline set but the target to complete the implementation of the JJM is by March 2024.
On Congress’ MLA from Mawhati Charles Marngar wanted to know if government would provide fuel for pumping water in regards to JJM implementation in the state, Marak however said he would get the matter examined.
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